Tag Archives: 2 Chronicles 28

Assyria, Our Forgotten Enemy and Ahaz

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References for King Ahaz are: 2 Chronicles 28, 2 Kings 16, and Isaiah 7:1-12. Isaiah 14:28 is the year he died, and Isa 57:3 – 13 describe the actions of Ahaz. To get a good portrait of him you need to consider all of the references together, as each adds something special to the study.

Who He Was

Ahaz is the son of Jotham and the grandson of Uzziah, and the father of Hezekiah. He is also the king who made many bad choices. In a time of trouble, he turned to the gods of Damascus and then to Assyria for help. Because of the king of Assyria, he changed the temple and the worship of God.

The Enemies Ahaz Dealt With

  • Edom – 2 Chronicles 28:16-18 and 2 Kings 16:6 speak of troubles with Edom/Esau/Amalekites. (Boundaries changed over the years and so did population sizes.) They were joined by the Philistines and Aram/Samaria in reducing Judah because Ahaz did not choose the Lord. The Book of Amos has things to say about Edom in this time period. This unrest started in the womb and can still be seen in the Book of Esther, and in King Herod’s rule. See Hosea 11:12-12:6.
  • Assyria – This enemy had been around for a while, as King Ahab was the first Hebrew king to fight them, at Qarqar. They deported Israel, twice, and took part of Judah into captivity. The important note with Ahaz is he wanted help from Assyria. See Hosea 5:13.
  • Samaria – Pekah son of Remaliah (Israel) and Aram/Damascus – Rezin. Their conflicts is Ahaz’s story in 2 Chronicles 28 and 2 Kings 16. Isaiah 7 through 10 adds the final note to them and Assyria. Remaliah | The amazing name Remaliah: meaning and etymology
  • Ahaz – He had a battle with his history and chose the wrong side. I wonder when Isaiah 7:10 happened? Was it before he followed his non-David side and threw off all of the things of God?  

2 Kings 16:2 Ahaz was 25 when he started to rule for 16 years, that makes him 41 at his death.  2 Kings 18:2 Hezekiah was 25 when he started ruling. 41-25 = 16 years old when Ahaz fathered Hezekiah, he had been a father for 9 years when he became king. Customs, social norms, and political pressures may account for this, or he may have just been an out-of-control royal.  

A Contrast – Kings and Chronicles verses Isaiah. History verses God’s prospective. Isaiah, Hosea, and the minor prophets through Zephaniah covers the years of Assyria’s assault and the moral decline of Israel and Judah. In those Books during that time, judgment is pronounced but in all of that is also the Lord offering a better way and promises of His righteousness and redemption. An example is Isaiah 7 – 10, in these chapters is promises of the Messiah.

Ahaz let Assyria direct his spiritual life. It seems Abijah, Hezekiah’s mother, a daughter of Zion, was better and directed Hezekiah to the Lord.  

AMOS 911 

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Amos 9:11 In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old (KJV) 

(This is one of two posts on Amos. In the other one I studied topics in Chapter 1-9:10.) 

The last five verses of Amos are a promise of good things that will happen for Israel (all the children of Jacob-3:1). Most of the Book foretells judgments and why they are coming. Amos focuses on the northern kingdom, but Judah, the southern kingdom is included. This book was written before the north went into exile-2 Kings 17. The name Israel, before 2 Kings 17, normally refers to the northern kingdom. I suggest you read Amos, carefully, because it may be talking about both parts, and it will switch without warning.  

There are two references to David in Amos, the first one is 6:5 and is scolding people for mimicking David (the name means beloved) while their hearts are far from God. David is the “gold standard” for kings in Israel, not many came close to being like him.  

The thing that is fallen, destroyed, or ruined, and has holes in it is the focus of the verse. (The day is a common theme in Amos and Isaiah.) The KJV says tabernacle, while other good translations say tent, family or people, or kingdom. On a surface read, you may think that this is the tent he pitched for the Ark of God (2 Samuel 6). Verse 12 does lend itself to family or kingdom, as they will be dealing with Edom and other countries (verse 12). The term for this fallen thing is Strong’s #5521H or sakkut/sukkah, which is a temporary dwelling used during the Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23: 39-44) made of branches. If it was #168 H, ohel, or tent, it could be a metaphor for family or even the tent for the Ark. An ohel is more permanent than a sakkut. The restoring terms sound like Isaiah 58. 

The part about Edom gave me a “maybe” for the near future of this prophecy. Amos, a prophet from Judah, was sent to Samaria (the north) to call them to repent. David’s grandsons ruled the southern area near Edom. 2 Chronicles 28:17 states that Ahaz sent for help because Edom was raiding the land again. See chapter 1 as Edom was involved in the slave trade of God’s people and it was the final “sin” for them. Ahaz was not a king after the heart of David, but Hezekiah, his son, was. Hezekiah could be the “near” fulfillment of Amos 9:11 and 12.  

Amos 9:13-15 relates to a “blessing” harvest that is coming after the judgments in the book. Remember, a sukkot is a shelter for the Feast of Tabernacles which came after the harvest. Verse fifteen may have been fulfilled in 1948, or it could be speaking about heaven. 

The Father will have people who want to follow Him and do His will and work. Yes, Amos speaks of judgments, but these came because the people refused to love God and their neighbors. Amos 9:11 is a reminder that He will restore all things. 

More Study-What Feast of Israel is associated with the events in the Book of Ruth? 

Christmas – Isaiah 9

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Christmas – Isaiah 9

Isaiah 9 contains three very important prophecies about Jesus: where he would live (vs. 1), a list of His titles, and what His kingdom would be like (vs. 6, 7). Nazareth is by the Sea of Galilee in the land of Naphtali and foreshadows Matthew 2: 23 in that He would be called a Nazarene. Handel immortalized verse 6 and 7 but these names/titles are important: christmas angelsWonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Verse seven clearly puts this ruler in David’s family and places justice and righteousness as keystones in His government. The last line is often overlooked but it too is important – The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

These promises came to Judah and Israel not in a “great time” period but at a very low one. Just like Father to encourage His people when things look bleak. Ahaz, the fifteenth ruler of Judah, was actively rebelling against God (2 Chronicles 28 and 2 Kings 16). So God used Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel Christmas 1to do some cleaning up of Judah (see Fifteen – Cleaning Up to Celebrate). Idolatry and oppression by foreign kings, and bloodshed was the life of the people of God when Isaiah spoke this prophecy. Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, certainly stepped up and turned things around for Judah but only Jesus could fulfill the names in verse six.

Pic of angels: http://www.squidoo.com/vintagechristmasimages 

Nativity scene by Mark Johanningmeier